Grass jelly

Dessert

Item Rating: 68/100

1 serving (100 grams) contains 50 calories, 1.0 grams of protein, 0.0 grams of fat, and 12.0 grams of carbohydrates.

Nutrition Information

1 cup (238.1g)

Calories		119.0
% Daily Value*
Total Fat		0 g	0%
	Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
	Polyunsaturated Fat	0 g
Cholesterol		0 mg	0%
Sodium		11.9 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrates		28.6 g	10%
	Dietary Fiber	0 g	0%
	Sugars	23.8 g
protein		2.4 g	4%
Vitamin D		0 mcg	0%
Calcium		23.8 mg	1%
Iron		0.5 mg	2%
Potassium		47.6 mg	1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Food Attributes

🥓 Keto friendly

🍯 Low sugar

🧂 Low sodium

🧂 Low salt

🍞 Low carbs

Source of Calories

Fat: 0 cal (0.0%)

Protein: 9 cal (7.7%)

Carbs: 114 cal (92.3%)

About Grass jelly

Grass jelly, also known as 'cincau' in Indonesia or 'xian cao' in Chinese, is a traditional dessert ingredient made from boiling leaves of the Mesona chinensis plant. Originating from Southeast Asia and parts of China, it is commonly served in drinks or desserts and has a mild, herbal flavor. Nutritionally, grass jelly is low in calories, fat-free, and primarily composed of water and plant-derived polysaccharides, making it a hydrating and light addition to meals. While its mineral content is modest, traditional preparations sometimes include sugar, which can alter its nutritional value depending on serving style. Grass jelly is appreciated for its cooling properties in traditional herbal medicine and is often consumed during hot weather to reduce body heat.

Health Benefits

• Supports hydration due to its high water content, making it useful for maintaining fluid balance.
• Contains dietary fiber from plant-derived polysaccharides, which aids in digestion and supports gut health.
• Provides antioxidants, particularly flavonoids, which may help reduce oxidative stress in the body.

Dietary Considerations

Allergens: None known

Suitable for: Vegan, vegetarian, low-fat

Not suitable for: Low-carb, keto (if prepared with sugar)

Selection and Storage

Store prepared grass jelly in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Avoid freezing as it may alter the texture.

Common Questions About Grass jelly Nutrition

What is the nutritional content of grass jelly?

Grass jelly is low in calories, with approximately 50 calories per 100 grams, and contains negligible protein and fat. It is primarily composed of water and carbohydrates, with some varieties providing small amounts of calcium and magnesium depending on preparation.

Is grass jelly suitable for a keto diet?

Grass jelly is generally not ideal for a strict keto diet, as it contains carbohydrates. Depending on how it's prepared, it can have up to 12 grams of carbs per serving due to added sugar or syrups often used in recipes.

What are the health benefits or concerns of eating grass jelly?

Grass jelly is often consumed as a cooling dessert in traditional medicine, with purported benefits like aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. However, pre-packaged varieties may contain high sugar levels, which could be a concern for those monitoring their sugar intake or managing diabetes.

How much grass jelly should I eat in one serving?

A typical serving size of grass jelly is around 100-150 grams, often paired with other toppings like fruits or syrups. To keep calorie and sugar intake in check, opt for unsweetened versions or control the amount of added sugar in your preparation.

How does grass jelly compare to other jelly desserts like agar or gelatin-based options?

Grass jelly is plant-based, making it vegan, whereas gelatin-based jellies are animal-derived unless substituted with agar. Compared to agar, grass jelly has a more herbal taste and softer, more slippery texture. Both are low-calorie but vary in preparation and nutritional profiles.

Data Sources & Scientific References